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Malachite And Bronze Earrings Revisited

I haven't had much spare time recently so haven't had the chance to make much new stuff but I did get round to altering the etched bronze and malachite earrings I made a few weeks ago. I wrote in this post about how they didn't hang well. The design means they are a bit bottom heavy and hang at an angle like this....

So I was at a quandry with what to do with them. Do I leave them or do I cut them down and change the way they hang? I couldn't do any more soldering as the stone was set so I decided {eventually} to cut them down and add an earwire to the pierced hole at the top.

They now hang evenly but it was a shame to have to alter them although I have come to the conclusion that I'm not keen on the type of earwire I used originally for them. The type that is soldered to the back of the earring then formed into an earwire. The length of the wire and the size of the earrings meant the earwires could easily have been bent {accidently} out of shape. So it's something I wouldn't repeat on a larger earring. Not that I use that style of earwire that often anyway!

I also had the chance last week to finish a couple more of the "pod" earrings I posted about a couple of weeks ago, this time I made hoop versions using the sterling silver and bronze pods I made. I haven't had chance to photograph them properly yet but took a couple of snaps in my shed earlier today.

Bronze pods with bronze hoops

Sterling silver version

I'm up to date with my made to order stuff now so I might get the chance to take some proper photos of these today!

Comments

I so loved those malchite in their original form - but then loved them cut down too - did you make small earrings from the cut pieces ? just love that design you used - was it a stamp or a rolling mill design

Thanks for your comment Deborah. It was a shame to cut the earrings down. I can use one part of the cut off bits but the other had the earwire soldered to the back of it.I used a stamp and etched the bronze :D

Hi! I am really enjoying your blog - have learned lots - so thank you. Just a quick question - slightly off topic - so I apologise in advance, but just wondering the type of tumbler you use - I am having a nightmare with mine - keeps falling on the floor - also what shape shot (stainless steel of course ;) ) do you use as having problems with shadows around the attachments to metal.

I have a Lortone 3A tumbler and the shot I use is a mix of balls, cylinders and cylinders with angled ends. Not sure why yours is falling on the floor! Is it large powerful tumbler? Maybe try putting it on some of that non-slip matting you can buy?I sometimes notice a slight difference in the finish around attachments like bezels and silver balls after tumbling but I think it's because the shot pieces can't get to these spots. I use textured metal and oxidize it so any differences in colour/finish aren't that obvious at the end.

Oh snap! I think I messed up again. All because I have two gmail accounts but I won't bore you with the details! Bravo Cinnamon!!! I love the change up. Funny how a piece can sometimes force our hand and those pod earrings are very nice! :)

If I hadn't looked at the original bronze earring designs, I would loved the new cut down piece but having looked at the original first, it is looking obvious that some thing is missing in the new one. But still a great looking jewelry piece.

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